Georgievksi taunts light fuse under Brisbane Roar

Georgievski lit the fuse on Thursday for Friday night's clash between the teams at McDonald Jones Stadium.

The Roar will welcome back skipper Matt McKay and key defender Avraam Papadopoulos from suspension, as well as utility Ivan Franjic from injury.

However, the outspoken Georgievski doubted the Roar would be good enough to avoid a third successive defeat in what has been a shocking season for the three-time A-League champions.

"Brisbane, they're in all sorts of strife," the former Melbourne Victory fullback said.

"This year they obviously thought that (by) getting more experienced players they'd be better.

"It probably hasn't worked out for them ¬ that's why they've changed their formation so many times.

"Hopefully we will … overcome whatever they bring."

Only runaway leaders Sydney FC top Newcastle on the ladder.

While the Jets have revelled under coach Ernie Merrick, the Roar have struggled this season, with injuries and poor discipline hurting them.

Papadopoulos has missed the Roar's past seven matches after being banned for spitting at Sydney striker Matt Simon, while McKay has been on the sidelines for two successive games after needlessly lashing out at Adelaide player Nikola Mileusnic and being sent off after the intervention of the video assistant referee.

Not that McKay seemed apologetic for leaving his already depleted side in the lurch as they lost back-to-back games to Western Sydney Wanderers and Sydney.

"That's been a part of me my whole career," McKay said.

"I'm an aggressive player, I like to get involved.

"I disagree with a lot of things that happen. Things get blown up a lot in Australia and more so since some of the other procedural changes have come in with VAR and stuff.

"I'm happy to be back now. I've served my time and I'm out to work hard for the team, and the fans and the club."

The veteran midfielder, who turned 35 on Thursday, is one of 17 Roar players off contract at the end of the season.

He is one of Brisbane squad members who Roar football director Craig Moore this week said was "playing for their careers".

McKay revealed he delivered a similar message to his teammates.

"No one can really walk into his (Moore's) office and demand a contract," the former Socceroos midfielder said.

"Hopefully those (good) results come and some players start to get re-signed, and if not the club can change direction."